VIEWS

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Malta

Malta’s future success is closely linked to how it manages its limited water resources. In one sense, it is lucky. Although an island nation, its physical foundations are one big aquifer of limestone rock, historically effective at absorbing and holding the freshwater falling as rain. This golden limestone has helped define Malta’s character as the principal building material for centuries. With fresh surface water almost non-existent, it has also provided the water supply for traditionally self-sufficient agriculture, via springs and wells, supported by rainfall capturing systems for drinking water. However, with a growing population of over 400,000, the groundwater supplies are being damaged by pollution, over exploitation and seawater intrusion. Desalinized seawater provides part of the solution, but being costly and energy hungry, cannot be a complete one. For more, see the associated article by Peter Easton: Malta: Confronting Water Challenges